Vet Serves in Denver, CO

Dr. Lori Schmalz

Verified Veterinarian

66 reviews

Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia

Becoming a veterinarian was a natural choice for me given my upbringing in which nearly all activities revolved around our animals. I followed the passion that was instilled in me by my family. I performed my first at-home euthanasia in 2007. It was an amazing experience with an owner and pet I had been caring for in clinic. I'll never forget what a beautiful day it was as I watched the owner kiss each of her dog's feet as he fell asleep in his beloved yard. It opened my eyes to how euthanasia could be and should be. Since then I have strived to provide excellent service so my clients and patients have the best possible experience in such a difficult and tender time.

Education

Undergraduate: Bowling Green State University - 1988

Veterinary Medicine: Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine - 1992

Certifications

3

CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian), Human-Animal Bond Certified, Fear Free Certified

 CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)Human-Animal Bond CertifiedFear Free Certified
  • Based InLittleton, CO
  • Service areasDenver, CO & surrounding areas
  • Work Experience34+ years
  • Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

TuesdayTimes Vary Weekly

Availability each week can vary based on demand and scheduling. Please provide a minimum 2 hour advance notice for all bookings.

Services provided

At home pet euthanasia

Dr. Lori Schmalz will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones

Est. CostStarting at $349

Pet cremation

Dr. Lori Schmalz will arrange and handle all of your cremation needs, including careful and loving transportation of your pet to the crematorium through private or communal process handled

Est. CostFrom $149 - $499

Keepsakes

Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned

Est. CostFrom $18 - $265

Quality of life consult

Schedule a 1-on-1 with a vet over a virtual conference call or at home.

Est. CostStarting at $225

What pet parents are saying

I highly recommend CodaPet to anyone who has to make that difficult decision to say goodbye to their fur baby. Dr. Lori was absolutely amazing. She was so kind, compassionate and patient. She made such a scary experience truly beautiful. I had my Doobie 15.5 years and when the end came the last thing I wanted was for him to be afraid. She made him so comfortable and peaceful in his own home and bed. I am so grateful I made the decision to contact CodaPet.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 05 2025 by Ivy Meehan
Review by Ivy Meehan
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

I cannot even begin to express my thanks to Dr Lori!! Wow! I had to see BOTH of my senior babies go at the same time and it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made in my entire life. Dr Lori was exemplary in everything she did. She was kind and gentle to everyone involved and I couldn’t have asked for a more caring person. I cannot recommend her enough. Thank you for making a hard day as easy as possible. From the bottom of my heart! Thank you

codapet review
5.0
Mar 17 2025 by B MG
Review by B MG
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

Putting a pet down is heart wrenching. Dr. Lori was amazing - she explained the euthanasia process, answered all of our questions, gave us the space we needed to say goodbye and never rushed us. She treated us and our pet with tenderness and respect. Dr. Lori made such a sad event a little more tolerable. Thank you Dr. Lori!

codapet review
5.0
Apr 15 2026 by Melanie M.
Review by Dr. Lori Schmalz

Dr. Schmalz was incredibly patient with us and the weather as we were trying to create a calm, relaxing environment outside for Apollo's last hours with us. She was very communicative and had a calm demeanor that even put our other anxious dog at ease. Dr. Schmalz explained everything from start to finish without creating any feelings of pressure or feeling rushed. She had all of the necessary materials to make the experience casual, yet respectful and professional. I am so glad she was the one to help our loved one cross over the rainbow bridge.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 14 2025 by Stephanie H.
Review by Stephanie H.
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

After over 16 wonderful years with my beloved shih tzu, Pumpkin, the time came to say goodbye. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, and an incredibly emotional time. Dr. Lori and Codapet helped make this heartbreaking process as gentle and compassionate as possible. Dr. Lori was incredibly kind and supportive throughout, treating both Pumpkin and me with deep care and respect. She ensured Pumpkin’s passing was peaceful and comfortable, and for that, I am truly grateful. Even now, thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. Thank you, Dr. Lori, for your compassion and for helping my sweet girl leave this world with dignity. I’m still waiting to bring her home, but I know in my heart that this was the kindest way she could have gone. Your kindness and comfort meant the world to me. My baby is now at peace, and I can grieve knowing she was surrounded by love and gentleness in her final moments. That kind of peace is truly priceless. Thank you again.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 11 2025 by Mandy P
Review by Mandy P
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

Losing my buddy Bexley was the second hardest thing in my life (second to losing my brother, a close second). He meant so much to me. We've been through so much together! He was a Colorado born dog but had traveled with me from coast to coast (multiple times). I was super fortunate in that we were together almost 24/7 since COVID. When I had to go into the office, my boss let him come too. He made the office brighter. Clients loved it! I've worked from home the past three years making our close bond even closer. Dr. Schmalz was extremely kind, professional, efficient, thorough and COMPASSIONATE! She made sure any questions I had were answered. She treated him with so much respect and dignity. Even though he traveled thousands of miles in cars, he never liked riding in the car. I cannot imagine driving him to the vet for this process! How that would have made him feel. Because of Dr. Schmalz, he was able to be relaxed at home on his pile of favorite blankets! This meant the world to me; ensuring he could be as comfortable as possible. Thank you Dr. Schmalz!

codapet review
5.0
Mar 05 2025 by Bobby R.
Review by Bobby R.
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture